Bridwell Park
Windthorst, Archer County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Donated to his countrymen by conservationist-philanthropist Joseph Sterling Bridwell (1885-1966), Missourian who moved to Texas in 1909. Drilling his first well in 1921 on W. T. Waggoner estate, in 1927 he formed Bridwell Oil Co., which ultimately produced 50 million barrels of petroleum. In 1932 he bought local ranch (with headquarters 5 mi. to NW), where he bred famous herd sire Larry Domino and other fine Herefords. A founder and president (1940), West Texas Chamber of Commerce, Bridwell gave nation the site for Sheppard Air Force Base. He and wife had 2 daughters. (1972)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Joseph Sterling Bridwell, a Missourian who moved to Texas in 1909, drilled his first well in 1921 and built the Bridwell Oil Company into an operation that ultimately produced fifty million barrels. He poured his fortune back into the region as a rancher breeding prize Hereford cattle, a founder and president of the West Texas Chamber of Commerce, and the donor of the land for Sheppard Air Force Base. This park was among the gifts he made to his fellow citizens.
Why it matters
Bridwell embodies the oil-and-cattle wealth that reshaped twentieth-century West Texas, and the civic philanthropy through which that boom built lasting public institutions.
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Related people
- · Joseph Sterling Bridwell
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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